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For immediate release
Aug. 23, 2007
Park hosts “Meet and Greet Reception”
for Jackson Ward community
Richmond, Va. – The Virginia BioTechnology Research Park recently held a “Meet and Greet Reception” in the atrium of BioTech 7, the headquarters of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), for members of the historic Jackson Ward community, which borders the Park to the west.
“We have over 2,000 scientists, researchers, engineers, technicians and support staff working in more than 55 different bioscience organizations,” commented Nicky Colomb, director of marketing for the BioTech Park. “We wanted to show our neighboring community all the exciting things that are taking place right next door.”
During the event, both Robert Skunda, president and CEO of the Park, and Pat Daily, Ph.D., assistant executive director of administration and management for UNOS, welcomed more than 55 Jackson Ward residents and business owners. After welcoming participants, Skunda encouraged community members to circulate around various booths and talk to the scientists about their work.
Among the exhibiting companies were:
- BioTrack, LLC: A biotechnology company that develops and commercializes biomedical products for promising R&D projects at Virginia Commonwealth University and the VCU Medical Center.
- Virginia Department of Forensic Science: A Virginia state laboratory that applies life-science technologies and other methods and practices to criminal investigation. Virginia was the first state to use DNA evidence in criminal prosecution and maintains the largest DNA database of any state. Since Virginia developed its DNA database of convicted felons, the state has recorded more “cold hits” than any other state, helping to solve crimes that previously went unsolved.
- Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine: Co-located with the state laboratory, the institute provides continuing forensic education and training for scientists and law enforcement officers.
- Infilco Degremont Inc., North American Research & Development Center: Tests portable water and wastewater treatment modules for municipal, industrial and commercial applications for the world’s leading water treatment engineering company.
- Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services: A Virginia state laboratory and one of the most advanced in the nation for public health and safety. It is designed to handle all of Virginia’s testing needs and is part of a federal laboratory network certified by the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, among others.
Three Jackson Ward restaurants, Anniebell’s Chicken and Waffles, Hidden Treasure, and Tropical Soul, catered and sponsored the event.
About the Park:
The Park is currently home to a unique mix of more than 55 technology companies, research institutes affiliated with the VCU Medical Center and major state and national medical laboratories. After completion of the new $350 million Philip Morris USA Center for Research and Technology, the Park will encompass 1.2 million square feet of space in nine buildings and employ more than 2,000 industry professionals.
Contact:
Nicky Colomb
Virginia BioTechnology Research Park
Phone: (804) 828-6884
E-mail: ncolomb@vabiotech.com
Web site: www.vabiotech.com
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